DJB to turn controversial bungalow built by former CEO into training centre
A controversy related to the land broke out in 2023 as the Delhi government's Vigilance department issued a show cause notice to the former CEO (Rai) for allegedly razing down a 15th century ara monument
A controversial bungalow, constructed by former Delhi Jal Board (DJB) CEO Udit Prakash Rai by razing a 15th century monument at the site in South East Delhi's Jal Vihar near Lajpat Nagar, is set to be turned into a "human resource-cum-engineering training centre". The DJB gave an in-principle nod to a proposal regarding this at its 174th meeting held on Friday, said officials.
"Now, a proper plan and details will be worked out," a senior DJB official said, adding, "The house has been lying vacant for over two years now. It is a huge property and if left unused for a long time, it will get dilapidated."
The official said, "The land is with the DJB... the autonomous body is planning to convert the property and use it as a training centre for our engineers and officers. It will also be used for administrative purposes as a human resource centre."
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Officials said different types of training sessions are held at the DJB -- from sessions for engineers and employees when a new technology or a project is implemented to the ones held for new recruits by their section heads.
A controversy related to the land broke out in 2023 as the Delhi government's Vigilance department issued a show cause notice to the former CEO (Rai) for allegedly razing down a 15th century ara monument -- a "Pathan period" Mahal dating back to 1418 when the Sayyid dynasty ruled Delhi - to construct a house for himself.
The monument at the center of the row finds a mention in the Archaeological Survey of India 's List of Muhammadan and Hindu Monuments, Vol. IV' and is referred to as a "Mahal".
The notice by the Vigilance department stated that Rai was "responsible for the demolition of part of the entire structure..." and that he was "well aware of the fact that there exists a historical monument" at the site.
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The bungalow was built on the site measuring 700 square metres, while the dimensions of the entire plot is about 5,500 sqm. The house was constructed at a cost of nearly Rs 4 crore.
The Indian Express had earlier reported that Rai was posted in Mizoram and his family was staying at the house at the time when the Vigilance department took note of the matter. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) suspended Rai and asked him to vacate the house. His family vacated the bungalow in September 2023, and the house has been vacant since then.